Suspect Arrested in Church's Murder

02/17/04

Atlanta-based Church's Fried Chicken has officially added $10,000 to the reward for information in the case of a murdered manager.More >>

Savannah-Chatham police detectives worked through the night to successfully arrest a suspect in connection with the murder of the manager of a Church's Fried Chicken. The manager was shot during a robbery attempt on February 7.

"Two masked men forced him back in and attempted to rob him," said Kevin Whitfield, the owner of the Church's on Savannah's West Bay Street in an interview at the time. "It eventually ended with Sean Abraham being killed."

A week ago, Whitfield and other friends and employees were seeking answers, and police say they have found them. After a round-the-clock investigation detectives arrested 19-year-old Derek Horne, pictured here.

"He is now in custody, he's charged with murder, he's charged with possession of cocaine and he's charged with theft by receiving," police spokesman Bucky Burnsed said. Police say early indications are that CrimeStoppers did not play a role in the arrest therefore there is no reward right now.

Police are also looking for another man they are calling "a person of interest," 17-year-old Charles Hill, also pictured here. "They would like to speak with him about information he may have concerning the incident that led to the death of Sean Abraham," said Burnsed.

If you have any information about Charles Hill, call CrimeStoppers at 234-2020.

A group of more than 50 pastors in Savannah hopes the families of murder victims can help them create positive change in the city’s violent crime. The Savannah Alliance of Pastors is holding that meeting and a prayer vigil next week.

A group of more than 50 pastors in Savannah hopes the families of murder victims can help them create positive change in the city’s violent crime. The Savannah Alliance of Pastors is holding that meeting and a prayer vigil next week.